These little packets of ramen noodles and seasonings are so inexpensive, they can be purchased with loose change. And with a few additions, they can become a budget-friendly, easy meal that goes way beyond soup. All recipes serve 4.Noodle Frittata -- Cook noodles from two 3-oz packages chicken-flavor ramen noodles in boiling water until tender. Drain. Beat 6 large eggs and the seasoning packets in...

Try this easy recipe for Comfort Meatballs which are mildly seasoned  and would really be comforting served with mashed potatoes, pasta or egg noodles tossed in a little melted butter. Meatballs: 1½ lb ground beef¾ cup quick oats1 cup milk3 Tbsp very finely minced onion1½ tsp saltPlenty of freshly ground black pepper4 Tbsp canola oil½ cup flourSauce:1 cup ketchup2 Tbsp sugar2 Tbsp disti...

This recipe for Meatball Souvlaki makes a delicious dinner of roasted meatballs and vegetables. Souvlaki or souvlakia is a popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer. It may be served on the skewer for eating out of hand, in a pita sandwich, or on a dinner plate.Yogurt Sauce:1 cup plain Greek yogurt1/3 cup chopped fresh mint1/4 cup water...

Use the slow cooker to make Meatball and Gravy Sandwiches -- this hearty sandwich is perfect for a potluck or reunion and can be cut in half for sample-size servings. Ingredients: 2 medium onions, sliced2 packages (12 ounces each) frozen cooked Swedish-style meatballs2 jars (12 ounces each) beef gravy1 teaspoon ground nutmeg8 hoagie buns (about 7 inches long) Directions: 1. Place on...

As I was browsing through the 10/6/2009 issue of Woman's Day, I found several easy ideas for making dinner in a hurry. Just pick up a few simple ingredients and you can put together a delicious meal in no time at all. These ideas are listed in two other parts -- Easy Dinner Recipes (Part II), and Easy Dinner Recipes (Part III). Check out both posts and try them all.Chicken Taco Salad -- Brown grou...

As I was browsing through the 10/6/2009 issue of Woman's Day, I found several easy ideas for making dinner in a hurry. Just pick up a few simple ingredients and you can put together a delicious meal in no time at all.These ideas are listed in two other parts -- Easy Dinner Recipes (Part I), and Easy Dinner Recipes (Part III). Check out both posts and try them all.Asian Chicken Stir-Fry -- Cut ch...

These enchiladas have a flavorful combination of ingredients and a rich homemade sauce. They make an easy one-dish meal.1 pound ground beef1 cup cottage cheese1 can (4¼ ounces) chopped ripe olives, drained2 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley½ tsp. garlic powder½ tsp. salt¼ tsp. pepper8 flour tortillas (7 inches)Sauce:1 medium onion, chopped½ medium green pepper, chopped1 Tbsp. cooking oil1 can (15 ounces)...

Ingredients:1 pound processed cheese, cubed1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained1 can (8-3/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, undrained1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, undrained1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced* (optional)1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, undrained1 envelope taco seasoning*Jalapeño peppers can sting and irritate t...

The ingredients to make this recipe for Friendship Soup could be layered in a jar and given as a Christmas gift! It's really easy and would make a beautiful presentation. Just follow the instructions given in the first recipe. Copy the second recipe below and attach the recipe with a gift tag to the jar using raffia or ribbon. (*See the picture below and the 11-5-09 post for Jar-Assembly Tips.)Fri...

Have you ever given or received a Holiday Gift in a Jar*? Consider preparing this recipe for Spicy Three-Bean Chili as a gift. Just layer the dry ingredients in a jar as instructed in the first recipe. (See picture of layered jar in recipe for Double-Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies.) Copy the second recipe below and attach the recipe with a gift tag to the jar using raffia or ribbon. (*See 11-5-09...

This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving to avoid that last-minute rush. Using packaged spaghetti sauce and noodles that are not pre-boiled makes preparation especially quick. Ingredients:1½ pounds lean ground beef1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste3 cups water2 packages (1½ ounces each) spaghetti sauce mix1 tablespoon sugar4 teaspoons dried parsley flakes½ teaspoon salt...

Ingredients:1 pound ground beef1/2 medium onion, chopped1/2 green pepper, diced1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided1/2 teaspoon pepper2 tablespoons butter or margarine6 medium potatoes (about 2-1/4 pounds),   peeled and finely shredded3 eggs, beaten1/3 cup milk2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar or    mozzarella cheeseDirections:1. Brown beef with onion, green pepper, 1/2 teaspoon sal...

1 can (6 ounces) no-salt-added tomato paste1/2 cup dry red wine1/2 cup water1 teaspoon minced garlic1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves1/4 teaspoon salt12 ounces lean ground round12 ounces ground turkey breast1 cup fresh whole wheat bread crumbs (2 slices whole wheat bread)1/2 cup shredded zucchini1/4 cup cholesterol-free egg substitute or 2 egg whitesPreheat oven to 3...

Peppy LasagnaIngredients:1 pound bulk Italian sausage1/2 cup chopped onion1/2 cup chopped celery1/2 cup chopped carrot1 16-ounce can (2 cups) tomatoes, cut up1 6-ounce can tomato paste1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed1/4 teaspoon pepper10 ounces lasagna noodles3 cups ricotta or cream-style cottage cheese1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese2 beaten eggs2 tablespoons snipped parsley1/4 te...

Sweet-Sour Meat BallsIngredients:3/4 cup dry bread crumbs1 tablespoon instant minced onion (or 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh onion)2 teaspoons salt1/2 teaspoon pepperjust enough water to soften3 pounds ground beef1 pound bulk pork sausage3 eggs, slightly beatencooking oil1 bouillon cube1-1/2 cups water4 carrots3 green peppers3/4 cup cider vinegar1 cup light brown sugar1/4 cup soy sauce1/3 cup corns...

Swedish Meat BallsIngredients:1/2 pound ground beef1/2 pound ground sausage1/2 cup fine graham cracker crumbs1 egg1/8 teaspoon pepper1 teaspoon nutmeg1 teaspoon allspice1 teaspoon ginger1/2 cup cream1/4 cup dry bread crumbs1-1/2 teaspoons salt1/2 cup waterDirections:Combine all ingredients except water.  Form into balls.  Brown slightly in small amount of butter.  Add water.  C...

Tacos are certainly a fun food to eat and they make a party out of an ordinary meal time.  Tacos are also a fun food to make, especially when everyone gathers in the kitchen to help prepare the food.Beef TacosIngredients:1 pound lean ground beef1 medium onion, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder)2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)1 cup tomato sauce1 teaspoon salt1-1/2 ...